hellebore
[hel-uh-bawr, -bohr]
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noun
any of several plants of the genus Helleborus, of the buttercup family, having basal leaves and clusters of flowers, especially H. niger, the Christmas rose.
any of various plants of the genus Veratrum.Compare false hellebore.
any of several poisonous or medicinal substances obtained from these plants.
Origin of hellebore
1555–65; < Greek helléboros; replacing earlier ellebor(e), Middle English el(l)bre, etc. < Latin elleborus < Greek
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for hellebore
Historical Examples of hellebore
But she does not go unprovided; she has hellebore at the bottom of the cup.
Essays, Second SeriesRalph Waldo Emerson
She needs six grains of hellebore, Monsieur; her brain is turned.
AmphitryonMoliere
It has received the immedicable wound; no hellebore can cure it.
Thirty Years' View (Vol. I of 2)Thomas Hart Benton
Some cause violent pain, as colchicum, hellebore, and aconite.
The Swiss Family RobinsonJohann David Wyss
He knew his own defect; and purposed going through a course of hellebore.
The CaesarsThomas de Quincey
hellebore
noun
Word Origin for hellebore
C14: from Greek helleboros, of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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